Cellulite, that "orange peel" or "cottage cheese" look to the skin has a new treatment option: Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT).

Acoustic Wave Therapy uses pressure waves to combat the two main causes of cellulite. [tag]Cellulite[/tag] is caused by a contraction of the fibrous layer of the skin, causing the fat under the skin’s surface to protrude through. This gives the surface of the skin that unattractive dimpled appearance.

Acoustic Wave Therapy works because it sends pressure waves into the skin and fat to breakdown the bunched of fibrous layer, releasing the skin and creating a smoother surface.

AWT also thickens the dermis, the second layer of the skin, and decreases the amount of fat protruding through the skin, resulting in a better visual appearance.

Unlike other cellulite therapies, AWT works on both factors at the same time, making it uniquely suited for effective treatment of cellulite.

Acoustic Wave Therapy can be completed by using one of two devices: the radial head or the planar head. The radial head has been around slightly longer (though acoustic wave therapy has only just received FDA approval); and the planar head is new to the United States.

The radial head generates the AWT pressure wave by using a small pellet inside an air chamber. This creates a pressure wave that is slow and strong. The radial head also aids in pain control, as it stimulates the skin and increases blood circulation to treatment areas. At higher frequencies, this radial head can also increase muscle tone without exercise.

(Reminds me of those old commercials where people stood on a treadmill-like machine that belted them across the hips in and they were jiggled around at high speeds. Maybe this was based on the same technique as AWT?)

Anyway, the planar head is based on a slightly different approach. It uses an electromagnet to generate the pressure waves. This results in a very strong wave with very short duration; resulting in a nearly painless procedure.

Treatments last for approximately 5-6 minutes per area. 6-12 treatments are generally recommended, based on the severity of cellulite. A maximum of 2 treatments are performed per week. Costs vary by state and practitioner, but a quick search reveals pricing at about $75 per treatment to packages of $1000 for a full treatment course.

From what I’ve read, it looks like AWT may be a fairly lasting solution to cellulite, as long as your weight remains stable (no sudden gains or losses) and you maintain at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

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